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DUKE 
UNIVERSITY 


DIVINITY SCHOOL 
LIBRARY 


Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2022 with funding from 
Duke University Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/baptisthistoryof01 shan 


REV. G. W. HUNTLEY 
General Missionary and Corresponding Secretary 
July 1, 1881, to July J, 1892 


BapTistT HisTorRY 


WV 


——On = 


NortTH DAKOTA 


18791904 


By T. M. SHANAFELT, DD. 


State Superintendent of Missions 


{t= author has been requested by the Board of the 

North Dakota Baptist Cou vention to prepare a Bap- 
tist history of North Dakota. The meagerness of statis- 
tical records and the failure of pioneer ministers and lay- 
men to respond to requests to furnish information and 
reminiscences of the early years of missionary service, has 
greatly increased the labor and difficulty of the writer. 
He has, however, availed himself of every possible source 
of information and used the material available with a dili- 
gent effort to insure historical accuracy. A history of each 
Baptist church in the state was not contemplated in the re- 
quest of the Board of the Convention, and was rende:ed 
impossible by the failure of pastors and church clerks to 
furnish needed material for sketches of local history. The 
aim has been to present a general outline of our denomina- 
tional history in the state to the present time. The statis- 
tical tables have been compiled with the greatest possible 
care, from every available source. They are full and com- 
plete. 

This brief historical record is presented to the Baptists 
cf North Dakota in hearty recognition of many valued 
friendships formed during five years of service as state 
superintendent of missions. T. M. SHANAFELT. 

July 1, 1904. 


Baptist History of 
North Dakota 


an HE object of this historical sketch is to find the origin 
and trace the progress and growth of Baptists in 
North Dakota. A correct understanding of the work that 
has been done renders necessary a description of tbe field 
of missionary operations. Within the memory of most of 
the present generation it was Dakota Territory. Since 
November 2, 1899, it has been the state of North Dakota. 
The country included in the ‘‘Louisiana Purchase,” by 
President Jefferson, in 1803, extended from the Gulf of 
Mexico northward to the British possessions, and west- 
ward to the Rocky Mountains. From this vast territory, 
which was long thought to be of little value, have been 
constructed thirteen of the most promising and productive 
states in the west and the northwest. Among these is 
North Dakota. It became a part of Missouri Territory 
June 23, 1834. Passing through several changes of names, 
it was attached to Wisconsin Territory July 3, 1836, and 
to Iowa Territory June 12, 1838. That portion of Dakota 
Territory east of the Missouri river and White Earth river 
became part of Minnesota Territory March 13, 1849, and 
all west of the Missouri river was included in Nebraska 
Territory May 30, 1854. 
When Minnesota became a state, May 11, 1858, all of the 
country west of its boundary line, to the Missouri river, 


+ Baptist History of North Dakota 


was without a legal existence ora name. This continued 
until Dakota Territory was created, by act of Congress, 
March 2, 1861. It remained a territory over twenty-eight 
years, when it was divided into two states, and statehood 
was officially proclaimed, by President Harrison, Novem- 
ber 2, 1899. It is an interesting fact that during the last 
one hundred and fifty years it belonged to four nationali- 
ties: England, Spain, France and the United States. 


After the Louisiana Purchase, in 1803, it was deemed 
necessary by the government to know something of the 
character and value of its new possessions in the norih- 
west. The Lewis and Clark expedition, which was sent 
across the continent by President Jefferson. in 1804-5-6, on 
their way up the Missouri river, held several conferences 
with Dakota Indian tribes, and thus obtained the first gen- 
eral information concerning their number and condition. 
During the first winter, 1804-5, the expedition camped at 
Fort Mandan, a few miles north of Washburn, in McLean 
county. . 


The first settlements in Dakota Territory, having in 
view the establishment of permanent homes, were mainly 
in the southeastern portion, along the valleys of the Mis- 
souri and Sioux rivers. These began in 1856 and succeed- 
ing years, at Sioux Falls, Yankton, Elk Point, Vermillion 
and Bon Homme: But there was an older settlement in 
the northeast, in what early became known as the ‘‘Pem- 
bina Region.”’ The first known white settler was a F'rench- 
Canadian trader, who established a trading post at Pembina, 
in 1780. <A later date has been claimed, but thorough in-~ 
vestigation seems to confirm the correctness of the date 
given. This first settler was still there at the time of the 
visit of Major Long’s exploring expedition in August, 
1823. 

The first known place of residence was a log cabin, 
built at Pembina, in 1797, by C. J. B. Chebollier, agent o 


Baptist History of North Dakota 5 


the Northwestern Fur Company. Peter Grant built the 
first fort there in 1792 or 1798. Lord Selkirk built a fort 
at Pembina in 1812. After ten or twelve years, on ascer- 
taining the fact that it was on the American side of the 
international boundary line, he tore it down and rebuilt it 
further north, where his flag had a better right to wave. 
In 1794, David Thompson, the astronomer and scientific 
representative of the Hudson Bay Company, visited the 
valley of the Red River of the North, and other rivers, and 
ascertained the latitude and longitude of Pembina, and 
opened the way for that company to establish a trading 
post. There were occasional attempts, by hardy pioneers, 
and representatives of various fur companies, to settle 
further south, along the Red River. A fort was built, and 
a trading post was established, by John Cameron, at Grand 
Forks, in 1801. 

Karly in the last century Pembina, and the country 
further north and east were so little known to the outside 
world, that it -was referred to in the early editions 
of Morse’s Geography as ‘‘An unknown country.” In 
1805, when Lieutenant Zebulon Pike was on his way up 
the headwaters of the Mississippi river, to explore its . 
source, on arriving at Red Lake, he found a trading post, 
which had been established in i778, from whose flag staff 
the British flag was still floating. The ignorance of acen- _ 
tury ago has long since passed away. The world now 
knows of the existence of the fertile Dakota prairies, and 
the wonderful Red River Valley. Unlike Lord Selkirk, 
the present and more recent subjects of the King, whoxe 
homes are south of the international boundary line, are here 
from choice and not by mistake. 

The area of North Dakota is 70,195 square miles. The 
population in 1870 was estimated at 2,405. During the 
following decade the immigration from eastern states and 
foreign countries was rapid. Many young cities and vil- 
lages were created, and for several years they had a rapid 


6 Baptist History of North Dakota 


/ 
growth. Railroads were constructed, and signs of pros- 


perity were becoming abundant. 


The population in 1880 was 36,909; in 1890 it was 189, 
719; and in 1900 it was 319,146. The increase from 1890 
to 1900 was 136,427, or sixty-seven and one-tenth per cent. 
This was a marvelous growth. The percentage of increase 
was excelled only by Oklahoma, Indian Territory, Idaho 
and Nevada. The present ratio of inhabitants to the 
square mile is four and four-tenths. 

The first known religious organization in what became 
Dakota Territory, was a small Roman Catholic church at 
Pembina, near the beginning of the last century. A sod 
chapel was built there in 1812. At the time of Major 
Long’s expedition to that region in 1823, the chapel was 
falling into decay. In 1845 Father Belcourt built a chapel 
and a small convent at St. Joseph, afterward changed to 
Walhalla. The following year he built a new chapel at 
Pembina, and for several years he had charge of both dis- 
tricts. In 1846 he secured for the chapel at Walhalla the 
first church bell ever brought into the territory. The first 
Baptist church bell was placed in the tower of the Baptist 
church at Vermillion, South Dakota, in 1872. 


The earliest religious movement begun by Protestants 
was at Walhalla, in 1852. Its leaders, Elijah Terry and 
James Tanner, were Baptists. They came to Walhalla to 
establish a mission among the Indians. EHlijah Terry was 
a member of the First Baptist church in St. Paul, Minne- 
sota. He was a young man full of missionary zeal and de- 
votion. While engaged in secular business he was anxious 
for an opportunity to do missionary work. Mr. Tanner 
was a half-breed Indian. His father, in early childhood, 
was stolen by a band of Indians, in 1799. He was adopted 
by them, married an Indian, and spent his life among 
them. His son, James ‘l'anner, possessed unusual natural 
ability, which was developed by the best education avail- 


Baptist History of North Dakota 7 


able for Indians. Having served several years as inter- 
preter and assistant in Methodist missions among the In- 
dians along the upper Mississippi river. he became a 
Baptist. 


Traveling several hundred miles in mid-winter, mainly 
on snow shoes, he reached St. Paul and was baptized there, 
and became a member of the church. He then went east 
and enlisted the sympathy and interest of some wealthy 
Baptists in New York, Philadelphia, and other cities, in 
his desire to give the gospel to the Indians. While on that 
journey Rev. G. W. Huntley became acquainted with him, 
and heard him ‘speak, in New York, at the ordination of 
Rey. Andreas Wieberg, who was going as missionary to 
Sweden. On his return from the east James Tanner stop- 
ped at St. Paul. where he met Elijah Terry, and together 
they came to Walhalla in March, 1552. 


It was their plan to erect a log building in which they 
could both teach the Indians and half-breeds, and conduct 
religious services. But their intention to evangelize the 
wild and uncivilized inhabitants of the prairie was not to 
be realized. On the morning of June 27, 1852, while Mr. 
Terry was entering a belt of timber to cut down some trees 
for the p:oposed building, he was killed and scalped by a 
band of hostile Indians. His associate secured permission 
of Father Belcourt, the Catholic priest, to bury his body 
in the only cemetery then in the settlement. A few years 
ago they were removed by the citizens and representatives 
of Baptist churches, and a suitable monument was placed 
on his grave, in the cemetery on the hill-side, over looking 
Walhalla and the valley of the Pembina river. 

In May, 1858, a year later than the coming of Terry and 
Tanner, Rev. Alonzo Barnard, (P.esbyterian) and Rev. D. 
B. Spencer, (Congregationalist), and their wives, came to 
Walhalla. They had been doing missionary work among 
the Indians at Cass Lake and elsewhere in Minnesota. 


8 Baptist History of North Dakota 


When missionary operations there were abandoned they 
came to engage in similar work at Walhalla. We have no 
knowledge that any practical results were accomplished. 
All that is known is a record of suffering and martyrdom. 
Mrs. Barnard died October 21, 1853, as the result of expos- 
ure and suffering incident to her misssionary labors, and 
Mrs. Spencer was killed August 23, 1854, by the Indians 
whom she was trying to lead to a higher moral and spirit- 
ual life. 


The graves of these three missionaries, who gave their 
lives to the cause of Indian evangelization, are now located 
together, and surrounded by an iron fence, with a gate 
throvgh which many pilgrims have passed to visit their 
last resting place, and read the inscriptions on their mon- 
uments, erected by those who desired to honor them for 
their personal worth, and for the sacrifices that they made 
for the good of others. Since the removal of their remains 
to the hillside cemetery, considerable interest has been 
awakened, and it is proposed to have the 28th day of June, 
the anniversary of Elijah 'lerry’s death, annually observed 
by historical addresses, and suitable memorial services. 


It is the desire of the citizens of Walhalla that arrange- 
ments shall be made to permanently mark the places where 
Elijah Terry and Mrs. Spencer were murdered by the In- 
dians. The place where Terry was first buried is now at 
the intersection of two streets. It is the desire of many 
that a suitable shaft shall be erected there to commemorate 
the event, and that one of the lots fronting this proposed 
shaft shall be secured on which to build a Baptist house of 
worship, as suon as there are enough Baptists in Wal- 
halla, and it becomes financially possible. There seems to 
be historical fitness and appropriateness in raising the 
Baptist standard where the first Baptist martyr fell. 


For nearly fifty years the name of the first missionary in 
Dakota has been published incorrectly. In the first pub- 


pivuirg ‘sayy asouadg -sapy Amoy yebya 
VTIVHIVA HO SAALAVW AHL 


Baptist History of North Dakota 9 


lished report of his untimely death he was referred to as 
Benjamin Terry, and for want of correct information the 
error was repeated. Recently the facts have been ascer- 
tained concerning it. Benjamin Terry was killed by 
Chippewa Indians at the battle of Birch Coulee, in Minne- 
sota, September 2, 1852, about two months after his 
missionary brother, Elijah Terry, was murdered by Sioux 
Indians at Walhalla. 


The sad ending of the lives of Elijah Terry, Mrs. Bar- 
nard and Mrs Spencer, had a depressing effect on their as- 
sociates. They soon after left a locality so full of sorrow- 
ful memories, and went to labor elsewhere. On account 
of the continued hostility of the Indians James Tanner left 
the station at Walhalla. The cruel taking off of his co-. 
worker disheartened him. He went from place to place, 
trying to accomplish good, but with discouraging results. 
In 1864, while in Manitoba, his horses were frightened by 
some drunken Canadian soldiers, and he was thrown vio- 
lently against a rock by the road side, and instantly 
killed. 


This first attempt at missionary work, in what is now the 
state of North Dakota, is deemed worthy of a place in our 
denominational records. It was not permanently success- 
ful, but it furnished a striking illustration of self-sacrifice 
and missionary devotion. It was the first effort at mission- 
ary work undertaken by Protestants. It was begun by 
Baptists. Further attempts to evangelize the Indians were 
abandoned. There was an interval of nearly a quarter 
of a century, and then missionary activity was directed to 
meet the religious needs of the on-coming tide of pioneers, 
who were ready to cover with permanent homes the land 
that had so long been covered with tepees. 

Reference has been made elsewhere to the increase in 
population from 2,405, in 1870, to 86,909 in 1880, and the 
remarkable increase in each of the following decades. 


10 Baptist History of North Dakota 


During the tirst decade Presbyterians and Congregational- 
istS were conspicuously prominent, not so much in the 
work of organization, as in surveying the field, and holding 
out inducements concerning localities to be later held and 
cultivated. The first church established was a Presbyter- 
ian church, organized at Bismarck, June 16, 1873. 
Another one was organized at Pembina, in 1876. The 
first Methodist church was organized at Fargo, July 20, 
1874. Baptists rank third in the matter of organization, 
the First Baptist church at Fargo having been established 
January 27, 1879. A Congregational church was located 
at Mandan, August 29, 1880. It afterward became ex- 
tinct. The oldest existing Congregational church is at 
Wahpeton. It was organized‘in April, 1881. 

During the first decade, from 1870 to 1880, in was im- 
possible, for financial reasons, for the American Baptist 
Home Mission Society to have a representative on the field, 
to serve as an advance agent, and ascertain strategic 
points. It was more than two years after the organization 
of the first church at Fargo, before so desi-able a result 
became possible. When the Northern Pacific Railroad was 
being extended westward toward the Pacific Coast, the 
Society, in 1581, appointed Rev. G. W. Huntley general 
missionary. his field being, at first, along the line of that 
road from Brainard, Minnesota, to Miles City, Montana. 
Soon after, on account of the wonderful immigration to 
Dakota Territory, his field was changed July 1, 1881, to the 
northern half of the Territory. With untiring devotion, 
and exposed to all kinds of hardships and privations, he 
cultivated this important field. He organized about forty 
Baptist churches and many Sunday schools These 
churches he grouped into associations. He also led in the - 
organization of the North Dakota Baptist Convention. 


After eleven years of faithful service, on account of fail- 
ing health, he was compelled, July 1, 1892, to relinquish 
his work. 


Baptist History of North Dakota 11 


The period of greatest missionary activity began in 1881. 
The church at Fargo, organized January 27, 1879, served as 
a solitary light house until another appeared at Tcwer City, 
August 1, 1880. The third was at Tongue River, May 29, 
1881, and a few days later June 10, 1881, the fourth was 
established at Bathgate. Nine churches were organized in 
1881: Tongue River, Fuller (now Bathgate), Jamestown, 
Richland (now Fairmount), Grand Forks, Lisbon, Bis- 
marck, Mandanand Pembina. These churches, with those 
at Fargo and Tower City, were gathered, November 5, 
1881, into an association known as the North Dakota Bap- 
tist Association. Three churches, Grafton, Wahpeton and 
Sanborn, were organized in 1882. In 1883 there were 
eleven additional churches: Page, St. Thomas, Minto, 
Dickenson, Beaulieu, Eckelson, Mapes, Devils Lake, Ni- 
agara, Fargo Scandinavian and Bismarck Swedish. In 
1884 the new churches were those at Crystal, Cooperstown, 
Steele and Wheatland. In 1885, five churches were added 
to the list, Bottineau, Park River, La Moure, Immanuel 
and Grand Forks Scandinavian. 


The first missionary pastor was Rev. EH. B. Haskell, at 
Fargo, in 1879. Following the coming of General Mission- 
_ary Huntley, there were three others, Revs. John Stewart, 
A. M. Allyn, and J. R. Deckard, making, in 1881, five 
ministers and eleven churches. Within three years twen- 
ty-one other pastors were secured, including Revs. J. H. 
Hartman, E. E. Tyson, John Curry, A. McDonald, O. D. 
Purinton, J. A. H. Johnson, Geo. H. Davies, E. F. Jordan, 
Peter Grant and J. Crawford, D. D. Some of these men 
remained a number of years and left a permanent impress 
for good upon the future state. Four of them, Revs. John 
Stewart, O. D. Purinton, Geo. H. Davies and J, A. H. John- 
son are still in the state. Associated with these in many 
years of service was Rev. Peter Mitchell, who was one of 
the constituent members of the church at Grafton. Other 


12 Baptist History ot North Dakota 


pastors having ability and fidelity equal with those that 
have been named, came later, and have performed faithful 
service. 

It was natural that the first decade should be the period 
of church organization. The rapidly increasing tide of 
immigration brought with it many Baptists. Young cities 
and villages were growing, Churches and schools were 
needed, and it was easier then than in later years, to find 
the assistance necessary in developing material conditions. 
Each of the new churches needed a home and shelter. 
The second meeting of the Association was held at Fargo, 
June 30, 1882, in the only house of wor hip then completed. 
Others, however, were in process of erection, and nearly a 
dozen were dedicated in 1882 and 1883. The years 1883 
and 1889 seem to have been marked by unusually favorable ~ 
results, in the number of churches organized and converts 
baptized. The year 1890 was one of drouth and general 
crop failure, but it was also a year of spiritual refreshing. 
The total number of additions to the churches in 1891 was 
461. Of these 313 were received by baptism. 


Almost immediately after the organization of the North 
Dakota Association, in 1881, it was found to cover too large 
a field to meet the needs of the churches. It extended 
from Bathgate southward to Fairmount, and westward to 
Bismarck. It became necessary to organize another, which 
was done in July, 1885. It is known as the Red River 
Valley Association. It includes the English speaking 
churches in the northern portion of the state, and extends 
westward as far as Minot. Several years later, on account 
of the long distances, and heavy expense of travel to the 
localities where the annual meetings were usually held, 
some of the churches in the western part of the state felt 
the necessity for an association nearer home. As a result 
the Southwestern Association was organized at Bismarck, 
July 21, 1893. Only two meetings were held when the or 


ELIJAH TERRY 


Elgah Terry, the First Baptist Missionary, was the First Protestant Missionary In Dakota 
Territory. He was Killed by Indians at Walhalla, June 28, 1852. The Original Daguer- 
reotype From Which Above Zinc Etching was Made, was Taken Nearly 60 Years Ago. 


Baptist History of North Dakota Rok 


ganization was given up, and the churches returned to 
their former allegiance. At a meeting of the Red River 
Valley Association, held at Cavalier in 1894, a plan was 
proposed to organize a new association consisting of the 
churches at Bottineau, Rolla, Minot, and eight or nine 
other western churches, but nothing permanent resulted 
from the agitation of the subject. Several new churches 
having been organized in the northwestern part of the 
state the matter is now once more under consideration, A 
new association is needed and probably will be organized 
in 1905. 


Among the first things to which the early churches gave 
serious attention was the need of a denominational school. 
The subject was frequently considered, and conferences 
were held to devise ways and means for the promotion of 
christian education. At a meeting of the North Dakota 
Association, in 1883, a session was devoted to educational 
interests, and addresses were delivered and propositions 
were presented from different localities. Rev. J. T. Davis, 
on behalf of Grand Forks, offered a gift of nine acres of 
land and $5,000 in cash. Rev. J. H. Hartman, speaking 
for Jamestown, announced, by authority of the board of 
trade of that city, an offer of twenty acres of land and 
$25,000. Rev. G. W. Huntley read a proposition from 
Oriska open to any denomination, to give thirty acres of 
landand $5,000. The association appointed an ‘‘education- 
al committee” consisting of Revs. G. W. Huntley. J. T. 
Davis, A. M. Allyn, J. H. Hartman and J. R. Deckard, to 
consider the propositions made, and others that might be 
made, and report at the next meeting. 


The annual meeting in 1884 was held at Tower City. 
Mr. G. H. Ellesburg, of Tower City, business manager and 
representative of Mr. Charlemagne Tower, of Philadelphia, 
had informed the committee that Mr. Tower would give to 
the Baptists $100,000 for a university in North Dakota, on 


14 Baptist History of North Dakota 


condition that it should be located at Tower City. Mr. 
EWesburg also announced that citizens of Tower City and 
vicinity would give desirable real estate valued at $20,000 
and a cash gift of $5,000, Assuming that Mr. Ellesburg 
was duly authorized to announce the pledge that he had 
made, the committee reported recommending that these- 
offered gifts be accepted, and that a Baptist school of 
higher learning be established at Tower City. The Associ- 
ation approved the recommendations and adopted the fol- 
lowing resolutions: 

Resolved, That we heartily approve the action of our 
educational committee, and commend their wisdom in the 
selection of Tower City as the seat of the Baptist Univers- 
ity of Northern Dakota, and that we pledge to this enter- 
prise our prayers and our support. 

Resolved, That we recognize with profound gratitude to 
God, the munificent gift of $100,000 from Charlemagne 
Tower to this University, and that as an association we 
invoke the blessing of God on this great christian philan- 
thropist. 

A building was secured and the school was started in 
town, pending the erection of a $20,000 building on the 
site of the proposed university. A charter was obtained. 
The board of trustees elected Rev. C. F. Dame principal, 
and he had able assistant teachers. Meanwhile ‘‘the 
munificent gift of $100,000” was not forthcoming. When 
Mr. Tower was called upon for money to erect the needed 
buildings he declined to give anything, and disclaimed 
having made or authorized any pledge, for any amount, 
for such an institution. He finally consented, however, to 
make a donation of the building in which the schoo] was 
started. 

Under these discouraging conditions the friends of the 
school made an appeal to the American Baptist Education 
Society for assistance. The official correspondence 
relating to this request, and announcing that the applica- 


Baptist History of North Dakota 15 


tion for aid was declined, based the decision on the ground 
that the territory was not sutticiently developed and set- 
tled, that the Baptist cause was too new, that the number 
of Baptists was too small, and that they were not suffi- 
ciently united in the enterprise, to justify, at that time, 
the appropriation of an amount of money sufficiently large 
to establish and properly endow a university. 


The discussions at the associations had developed the 
fact that in the judgment of some, on account of numerical 
and financial weakness, the time had not yet come to at- 
tempt to start and fully equip a college or a university. 
When the convention met in 1886 it rescinded the action tak- 
en in 1885, ‘‘accepting the trust committed to it by the 
North Dakota Association, of all rights, titles, etc., in 
Tower University.” At the same time it commended 
the school to the sympathy and help of the churches. 

In 1888 Tower University ceased to exist in name and 
in fact. Though all were discouraged, there were those 
who were stil! anxious to have and maintain a denomina- 
tional school, and one was started at Lisboa. A more 
modest name was given to the new institution. It became 
known as DakotaCollege. Rev. Geo. H. Davies was elected 
president and Prof. W. G. Crocker, principal. <A hotel 
building was temporarily secured for college purposes. 
It was soon filled, and also some adjacent buildings. The 
outlook seemed hopeful, and for a time there was financial 
success. Then there came financial reverses. The college 
passed out of the management of those who were first in- 
terested in it. After a year or two of struggle to exist it 
died. It is an occasion for regret that in these later years 
when the denomination is stronger, and conditions are 
more favorable, there seems to be no desire or effort to 
establish in this state a Baptist college. 

According to vhe last official census the population of the 
state is 319,146. Since 1900 the increase has been large, 


16 Baptist History of North Dakota 


especially by immigration, but it is impossible for us to 
know what the percentage of increase is at this time. We 
can only estimate and estimates are not history. The 
native born inhabitants number 206,055, and the foreign 
born 113,091. But of those who are native born a very 
large proportion are descended from parents one or both of 
whom were foreign born. More than two-thirds of the 
present population were born in other lands, or are of 
foreign parentage. 


Of the population of foreign birth the nationalities most 
largely represented are the Scandinavians, Germans, Rus- 
sians and Canadians. Of the Scandinavians there are 93,- 
735, including 71,998 Norwegians, 14,598 Swedes and 
7.1389 Danes. There are 32,393 Germans, 23,909 Russians, 
and 31,086 English speaking Canadians. ‘These leading 
nationalities, and their children, comprising so large a 
percentage of the total population, furnish an attractive 
field for the missionary activity of Baptists. Though 
gratifying results have been accomplished, still greater 
efforts should be put forth for their evangelization. Other 
denominations have accomplished something among the 
Germans, but the Baptists have had the largest success 
in reaching the Scandinavians. 


Many of the first settlers in North Dakota came from 
Norway, Sweden and Denmark. They were hardy pio- 
neers, and, with unshaken courage they endured the 
privations of the early years, The constant additions to 
their number by immigration resulted in the founding of. 
Scandinavian colonies. In these settlements Baptist 
churches were organized. Some of these people were 
members of Baptist churches in their fatherland. They 
brought their religion with them. Their first church was 
organized at Fargo, April 30, 1883. Its first pastor, J. A. 
H. Johnson, served successfully for eight years, and is 
now rendering efficient service ina second pastorate. For 


Baptist History of North Dakota 17 


some time the church included Norwegians, Swedes and 
Danes. After several years the Swedish members with- 
drew, and a Swedish church was organizedin Fargo, Sep- 
tember 2, 1891. 


The second Scandinavian church in the state was located 
at Bismarck, September 1, 1883. It was composed mainly 
of Swedes. For some time it seemed to have lost its visa- 
bility. It was reorganized as a Swedish church April 8, 
1895. The Norwegian church at Grand Forks was organ- 
ized'March 7, 1885. The period of greatest activity in or- 
ganizing Scandinavian churches has been during the last 
twelve years. Some of the churches have members rep- 
resenting three nationalities, but they are usually desig- 
nated by the nationality most largely represented. Until 
within recent years they were identified with the North 
Dakota and Red River Valley Associations, but as the 
number of churches increased it seemed desirable to form 
associations of their own. 


The Norwegian Conference or Association was organized 
in 1894. It has now fourteen churches, with a total mem- 
bership of 498, and church property valued at $18,394.00. 
The five Swedish churches near the Missouri river were 
grouped together, at Slaughter, June 9, 1900, into an or- 
ganization known as the Missouri Slope Association. 
. Later these five churches and the Fargo, Kulm and Rut- 
land Swedish churches were formed into a Swedish Bap- 
tist Conference or Association at Coal Harbor, June 14, 
1903. The eight churches in this organization have 218 
members, and six houses of worship. The valuation of 
their church property is reported to be $10,850.00. In 
addition to the twenty-two Scandinavian churchés, three 
others were organized, but they have passed out of sight. 
They were Caledonia, organized February 12, 1886; High- 
land, June 23, 1900, and St. Thomas in 1895. Scandina- 
vian Baptists are watchful and careful in fostering their 


18 Baptist History of North Dakota 


interests. Naturally their field of operation is bounded by 
lines of nationality. but others have been inspired and 
helped by them. They are characterized by an earnest 
devotion to the church, deep spirituality, and generous 
liberality. 

There are in North Dakota 32,393 Germans and 23,909 
Russians. Most of those who are classed as Russians 
should properly be called Russianized Germans. They are 
the descendants of the South German people who, during 
the reigns of Catherine and Alexander I, (1776 -i818) were 
invited and encouraged to settle in Russia. They were 
promised exemption from military service and permission 
to retain their native language, and retain their own forms 
of religious worship. They were needed in Russia because 
they were familiar with many of the arts of which the Rus- 
sian serfs and peasants were ignorant. Because they 
helped todevelop the resources and increase the revenue 
of the empire, the promises made were kept for a genera- 
tion or so. But though their intense religious convictions 
were tolerated at first, later Russian rulers and the Greek 
church persecuted them without mercy. This culminated, 
in 1874, in edicts so arbitrary and cruel, that many thou- 
sands of them came to the United States, and of these a 
large proportion found a haven of rest in North Drkota 
and South Dakota. One of the present pastors in this 
state was for thirty years a missionary among these people 
in Russia. He was in prison a dozen times, and was final- 
ly banished. 


They are generally known in Russia as Stundists. A 
low estimate of their number is 250,000. Many of them 
are Baptists, They are intensely in earnest in holding and 
disseminating their religious opinions. They are so far 
in advance of the unthinking and ignorant Russian serfs 
that it is not surprising that their superiority in belief 
and life aroused the hatred of the state church and the 


Baptist History of North Dakota 19 


rulers, and led to their suffering relentless persecution. 
Having fled from religious oppression in Russia they have 
come to enjoy.religious liberty in America. During all 
the generations of their sojourn in Russia they retained a 
knowledge of the language of their fatherland. Religious 
services conducted in the German language are therefore 
understood by them. While no longer compelled to wor- 

_ship God in secret, at the risk of imprisonment, they still 
maintain their long accustomed simplicity of living and in- 
tense religious devotion. In Russia all attempts to break 
their spirit, and compel them to renounce their faith, were 
in vain, and here ‘‘there are none to molest or make them 
afraid.” 


Missionary work among these people and among the 
Germans began, in: South Dakota, in 1876, and in North 
Dakota in 1884. Among the pioneers in this work in this 
state were Revs. B. Matzke, J. Reichart, Wm. Achterberg, 
J. Jaeger, J. P. Goth and others. 


Their first church was organized at Germantown, No- 
vember 2, 1884, the second at Danzig, August 15, 1856, and 
the third at Berlin, May 21, 1888. They have now thirteen 
churches in the state. The number would be larger if 

American plans of organization were adopted. Hach 
church has its central headquarters, with several outlying 
stations, and from two to four Sunday schools. The num- 
ber of members at tkese stations is often large, but they 
-are usually held as stations or branches of the parent 
church until they are strong enough to be self-supporting. 
'At some of these stations chapels are built, so that it is 
‘not unusual for a church to have two or three houses of 
worship. The parental oversight of the mother church is 
‘such that some of the new churches, when organized, 
have their religious home already prepared for them. 
‘The work that is being done by these people gives them a 
rightful place in a history of the Baptists of North Dako- 


20 Baptist History of North Dakota 


ta. In their thirteen churches and various stations they 
have 1,856 members. The value of their church property 
is reported to be $27,600.00. The German Baptist Associ- 
ation or Conference was organized in 1896. 


Reference has been made to nearly twenty-four thou- 
sand who are classed as Russians, but, for reasons stated, 
are closely allied with and related to the Germans. There 
are, however, in the state several thousands of Russians 
who have nothing in common with Germans, and know 
nothing of the German language. They are located in 
several counties, but mainly in McHenry county. They 
represent the Russian peasantry. Some of them were 
serfs. They are a simple minded people and have been so 
long accustomed to poverty, hardship and oppression, that 
they are inclined, at first, to distrust the sincerity of 
those who would assist them. It will require some time 
for them to adapt themselves heartily to American methods 
and customs. 


They felt so long the heavy hand of religious oppression 
that ever since they came to this land of religious liberty 
they are conservative and cautious lest in some way their 
consciences may become burdened, and their newly found 
religious privileges be encroached upon. It was a mem- 
orable event, and one of peculiar interest, when Dr. O. A. 
Villiams and the writer organized a Baptist church among 
these people, south of Balfour, in McHenry county, April 
4, 1901. Its name is the First Russian Baptist Church of 
Liberty. They desired that in some way a recognition of 
the fact of religious liberty should appear in the name of 
their church organization. They have a pastor, Rev. 
Alex. H. Niklaus, and a house of worship. They now have 
one hundred and forty members’ This is the only dis- 
tinctively Russian Baptist church in the United States. 


A condensed statement has been given concerning the 
progress of the work of evangelization among a few of 


BSS Ge es ee ec ey 


REV. C. H. HOLDEN 
District Missionary March 17, 1892, to July 1, 1392 


General Missionary and Corresponding Secretary 
July 1, 1892, to July 1, 1894 


+ 


| 
| 
| 


Baptist History of North Dakota 21 


the nationalities that are most largely represented in the 
population of the state. While considering those of for- 
eign birth or foreign parentage we should give hearty 
recognition to those who, in immigrating to North Dakota, 
had only to cross the international bouncary line. There 
are 31,086 English speaking Canadians living within the 
state. We may properly add to these 27,858 who came 
from Great Britian, making a total of 58.944. Concerning 
the others we have had to recognize the difference in lan: 
guage and the consequent need of organization according 
to nationality. Concerning these no such necessity exis!s. 
Between them and native Americans there is identity in 
language and interest. The former outnumber the latter 
in a score or more of the churches, and they are largely 
represented in other churches. 


A table has been carefully prepared giving a list of 
American, Scandinavian and German churches with the 
date of the organization of the churches and Sunday 
schools, and of the dedication of houses of worship. [our 
of the churches have each two dates of organization. The 
church at Minto, the Norwegian church at Grand Forks, 
and the Swedish church at Bismarck, after having run 
well for a season, seem to have died, or were for several 
years ina state of suspended animation. In later years 
they were reorganized. Within a year or so after the or- 
ganization of the chnrch at Lisbon it was reorganized. 


On account of a change of location, or a change in the 
names of some of the early settlements or villages, the 
names of a few of the churches are not the same as those 
under which they were organized, and annually reported 
to the associations. Thus the original name of the Bath- 
gate church was Fuller. The corporate name of the 
church at Fairmount was Richland. The Langdon church 
was first known and reported by the name of the place 
where it was originally organized, Rosa Lake. The Rosa 


22 Baptist History of North Dakota 


Lake church was reorganized as the Langdon church. 
The Pleasant Grove church was organized at Galesburg. 
The name and location of the Peabody church were recent- 
ly changed to Souris. At the time of the great fire in 
Fargo, June 8, 1893, the Swedish church home was 
destroyed when it was ready for dedication, and a new one 
was soon after built. The date for the first building is 
that of its completion since no dedication service could be 
held. In other cases, as at Grand Forks and Fairmount, 
where two dates are given for the dedication of their 
houses of worship, they indicate that the churches grew 
and prospered until they were able to move ‘‘out of the 
old house into the new.” 

The following table gives the names of churches, the 
date of their organization, the date of the dedication of 
their houses of worship, and the date of the organization 
of their Sunday schools: 


Baptist History of North Dakota 


\ 


23 


ORGANIZATION OF CHURCHKHES. 


CHURCHES 


Organized 


LA GHeTe NIG) Ps 
‘Lower City 
Tongue tviver 
PS AMMESREOh get hs s< cnc lee oe cies 
Jamestown 


Fairmount..... 
Grand Forks Ist............ 


Tishon:. = 2... 
Bismarck 1st 
- Grafton.. 
St. Tuer PERN ecu 
Ried oth ieee eee 


Fargo (Nor.).... 
DDO e 0) Se 
IBRSMUITO Uae ces eek dees 
Bismarek (Sw.)...........-. 
IDigaG CCR A eee ees 
Crystal 
New Rockford 
Cooperstown Isr... 

Germantewn (Gr r).. 


Grand Forks (N:r.) ..... 
PS UNVONE ota kia esos eee 
JURE Gt 28 or 
BOUGMOAI aa sek as 

Warie(Genrs eo. 2ihe.s.ese 


ERG). I 9 a 
Tonic lala eee 
EAUGLONG assert wks a 
MENTO Peet reeicsnid fea. 

PACH reine ee L see Se: 
Berlin (Ger.) 
Antelope oa 
Sheyenne.. Bes he 
RUOMA ME eter cere es aces cis asctee 
Iiamiltonsssce-) 0). Oia 
Rupand | (Sw.)... 62.000... 
SSUES Ee mas hens Soot. 


AMP OCW a) nc cis. coms bs Sees 


Cavalier 
Kulm (Sw... aeons 
Hillsboro (Nor. Nex meycactolsisarese 
Jewell (Ger.).. 
Valley City ‘Nor. r).. 
Deapolis 'Sw.). 
Barton (Nor.). eS 
Cooperstown (Nor.) yee 
RW RIYEIO NOR: alts glia cotsue se 
Poplar Grove 
Moscow (Nor.).. 
Edinburg (Nor. He 
Fessenden (Ger. Nee 
TLVOStA Meee cys bse Tas 
Ball Hill 


“1 U Now, 
.|Deeceinb r 20, 1881 


_.June 11, 188_ 


.|June 1, 


_._ {November 2. 1884... 


.|October 15, 


-|May 20, 1839.. 


.|March 8. 1890 


.|July 4, 1892 . 
July —, 
-|Suly 7. 


.../August 21, 
...|February 17, 1896. . 
..\June 13. 1896 
.|July 1, 1896 


January 27. 1879... 
August 1, 1880. .... 
‘May 29. 2881. ..... 
June 10, 881... 2... 
‘August 28, 1881.... 


October 9, 1881... 


October 16, 


COrt 2a. IVR. 
£9: 1887... 


1881... 
( 
S 


Dre mber 9, 1882.. 
January 14, 1883... 

§ March 18, 1833. ( 
7 May 8. 1x92 2 


.|March 30, 138;3. . 


July 22, 18k; 
{ Sept. 1, Be 
7 April 8, 1893. .. 
April 13, 1884 
1S8tarsene 
1584... 


June 4, 
Iniy 19, 1SS4. 


§ March 7, ARSD.. 

? July —. 1890... 
March 29, 1885. ... 
§ Angust, 10, 1885» 
2 Augrst 15, 1887 
August 16, 1°85 
Augns: 15, 1886.... 
1886. .. 
October 17, 1886. . 
March 21. 1888 ...- 
\prild. 18:8. 
April 8, 1888. 


=~ 


.|May 22) LAC ea 


November v4. 1888... 


June 2. 1889........ 


June 24, 1899 
April 4, 1891. ...... 


September 2, 1891. 
May 3, 1892........ 


January 3, 1893.... 
1893 
fuly 1, 1894 
1894 
November 4, 1894.. 
September 12, 1894 


January 12, 1895... 
1895... 


—, 1897 


January 12, 1895...|.Jun e F 


Sunday School 


Dedicated Organized 
alyylosern seek ahi seaeeroees 1, 1879 
October 31, 1882... be ——., 1880 
June 3. 1882 .. eeeee{. .2..-————, 181 
‘|November be 1882. ..April 23, 1882 
March 23. 188.5 ae . December 31, 1°82 
§ July & 1883.2... 5 209, 
} Jane 7, 1896 ;.. §|>+>> = - May 28, 1882 
§ March 4, 1883.. ? 7 12R9 
1 Dec. 15, 1901... §)7077 ie 1G aes 
March #0. 1884 ....|. Decem! er 23, 18838 
April 1, 1883.......].. February 18, 1852 
§ April 10. 1884.. 2] 4 Pat a5 
SIBLE ee ECHL set ..February 4, 1882 
July 15, 1883. .. Angust —, 1883 
duly 28) 189. 22... ..March 3, 185% 
June =, [888 ec}. . ee ————., 1884 
. February 15, 1885..}.... August —, 1883 
———., 1883.......}.. January —, 1884 
February 21, 1596..|..-bruary 21, 1596 

|February 17, 1895..|Septembe: 27, 1884 
November 11, 1888.|/September 27, 1884 
December 28, 1891.].September 1. 1891 
December —-. 1898.|.... . Mareh 9, 1888 
-|September 28. 1887] ...... ————, 1086 
June 11, 1893.......]......———, 1884 
October 27, 1895. ..|...October 12, 1890 
-|September 20, 1885].. October —, 1885 
November 25, 1887.|..... \uzust 20, 1885 
December 11, 1887.).... Augu-t 20, 1585 
June 25. 1893. . et oo, 1887 
aU ARY Doe AQT A eee ——- , 1887 
bal pabeey ca ————, 1889 
November —, 1888 
[April 1, “1889. Re avi . November —, 1889 
ol as ba CA eo cnyere 1886 
June 30. 1859 May 2 22, 1888 
—— — , 1894,...... -—, 1888 
-|-———.. 1902. ......]-..- June 4, 1890 
-— y LOLs November 11, 1892 
January 7 Ty US83... --May 25 25, 1881 
Sahil vats aris neh - , 1891 
December — see. “January —, 1892 
{June 1, 1893. . 
7 Nov. 15, 1804... SOntone: 1, 1891 
December 11, gov. . December 11, 1892 
-|December 6. 1903..].... August 16, 1591 
September 23, 1900|.. February 19, 1893 
Oetobrr—j lod Gaies tosses ae eae ste 
October 24, 1899... . April 1, 1894 
Ee Sm as Aas ——, 1896 
————-, 1904,...... ’ May 22. 1895 
nes t8Ob. <5. sale. . June 2, 1895 
.. January 24, 1895 


June 24. 1895 
February 1 17, 1896 


Baptist History of North Dakota 


ORGANIZATION OF CHURCHES—Continued. 


Organized 


Dedicated Sunday School 


CHURCHES Organized 
Mandani(Swalses sachets June 12, 1897...... October 30, 1900 ..].-..... June 24, 1900 
Casselman (Ger.)../.......- July 18, 1897. ....../November 14, 1902.7). 0). sone nee 
Blumenfeld oS das .../August 8, 1897. ....|November 26, 1900. ———., 1897 
Acton.. ..-. eietloe eel Atpril as 1898 eee May 1, 1898s eereeleees ———., 1898 
Wilton (Sw) Ee ae Seah rT Sue atch e, ae June 21, 1903 .....}.......May 23, 1900 
Coal Harbor (Sw.). pee Boe July, —, 1898. 2... <2}. . os cn a cele een age 1901 
Ruby UNGnslesmeene ese aor July 1, 1899. .... 6.6). 2. eee ere el Sle |e ee 
Goodrich (Ger.). wceeeee [ADPrEl 9, 1900... 562] ccs cn lee ne eee 
Kenmare (Scand.).......... May 20, 1900. Sale 19, 1903...........),25. 2. Waly La. 1900 
Balfour.. .. [August 2, 1900. .... » 2a eee .. August —, 1900 
East LaMoure (Nor. ).. .|September 9, 1900)... . - jt... levy am enenered| eran ene 
Freudenthal (Ger.). .| November 18, 1900. |. 0c sree DE 2 ere epee ea 
Liberty (Rnssian).......... April 4, 1901. ......|—————, 1904 . 

W ashburn. tee) icv ceases Panuany PO; 1902... |June 29, 1902; tuto. 

Calvin. na _../August 31, 1902....]. Ls flrercce dal cote e Roe oie ons Iee 
Stilwell. ..|November 18, 1902 December 8, 1902... 

Donuy brook (Dai . December 14, 19027)... o25 see ene 

Rosenfeld Gee ’ ...|February 1, 1903... .|November 1, 1903.. 

Riga...... i ive. «| Marebls: 1903. S hbeson —, 1904...... 

Des Liacss. 22. -e5- . sees | March 16, 1903. .-5.|.5 5... ck ele eee eee 
White Earth (Nor. ie: REA se June.5,1903::. «3. fei |lsecelss 3 ae ...June 5, 1903 
Saline aot aeanu roe ere: July 12, 1903.......2).>-- aoe July 12, 1903 
Denhotf (Ger.)....-........- January 5. 1904. .. January 5, 1904 
West Hope........ ae | May AOS 1964S. Vale eee PPE Ce esate 
New Salem.... foe cca Vekroy rill lS HONE meee 

Totaly ise acne eecmeeee es OO) 


In the foregoing table is given a list of eighty churches 


that have 


a real or nominal existence, and are retained on 
the roll of churches in the associations. 


The list, howev- 


er, does not include the names of thirty churches that are 


dead. Some of them died in 


ers after several years of strug 


infancy or early life, and oth- 
gle for existence. The 


names of these churches, with the date of organization, 


are as follows: 


Pembina..... .November 9, 1881. 


Mandan...... November 14, 1881 
Sanborn seins eee May 28, 1882 
Wahpeton....... October 27, 1882 
Hekelson)....-.:.- —— —— -, 1882 


Devil’s Lake. .September 30, 1883. 
Niagara.........October 14, 1883. 


OaksEill zee a2: —— -, 1883. 
Pleasant Grove. ..—--—— -, 1883. 
Steele .. June 8, i884. 
Wheatland......... June 24, 1884. 


Grand Rapids. .September 8, 1884. 


Caledonia, (Swedish) Feb. 12, 1886. 


Tappan........2eeee June 13, 1886. 
Garfieldi) saceee .. June-, 1886. 
Spring Lake..... January -, 1887. 
Galt........5 eee June 5, 1887. 


Hebron (German)... Novy. 4, 1888. 
Reynolds.......... .April 1, 1890. 


Glen. Ulin. April 5, 1890. 
Highland (Scand.) June 23, 1890. 
Thompson: jee May 31, 1891. 
Northwood......-. June 25, 1894. 


St. Thomas (Scand.) -—— -, 1895. 


Baptist History of North Dakota 25 


Immanuel..........June 19, 1885. Valley City... December 28, 1895. 
Tiffany..... meee August 8, 1885. Lakota............... = SSS 
PramMioune. ..<.:..% August 25, 1885. Williston.. sts ——— — 


In the earlier portions of this history a erates of details 
are given showing the wonderfully rapid progress in the 
organization of churches. Everything was new and noth- 
ing seemed impossible. The rising villages and aspiring 
young cities wanted churches and schools, and were ready 
to promise encouragement. They had not already at- 
tained but were looking for metropolitan growth and dig- 
nity. It was easier then than in the later years of drouth 
and crop failures, and financial reverses, to begin large 
and important undertakings. 

Bnt unusual activity along any line is usually followed 
by a reaction. Hopes cherished during a boom are not 
always realized after the boom period has passed by. New 
conditions sometimes arise which prevent the fulfillment 
of what had seemed to be carefully arranged plans. The 
wise and careful leadership of Rev. G. W. Huntley and 
his associates, is worthy of the highest appreciation, and 
should long be gratefully remembered. It is no discredit 
to him that of the thirty churches that became extinct, 
twenty-five were organized during his term of service as 
general missionary. In“an early and transitional period 
he and his co-laborers planned as wisely as they knew. 
They ought not to be held responsibie for later internal 
dissensions, lack of local leadership, or changed local con- 
ditions, that could not be foreseen from the beginning. 
Some churches, like some people, ought never to have 
been born. Because of unhealthy internal conditions, or 
permanently fixed unfavorable surroundings, there are or- 
ganizations in which a healthy growth is an impossibility. 

There are various causes leading to the decay and death 
of churches, but as a general rule one of the surest causes 
of their becoming extinct is the failure to secure a house of 
worship Of the thirty churches that no longer exist only 


26 Biptist History of North Dakota 


four of them, Mandan, Steele, Wahpeton and Thompson, 
had homes’ A homeless church is like a homeless family 
or individual. It becomes a wanderer from place to place, 
roving about from schoolhouse to hall or empty store room. 
It is difficu t to secure or retain a pastor, and much of the 
time it can have only occasional services. A church that 
is without a local habitation, is likely, sooner or later, to 
be without a name. 

It is not claimed, however, that the possession of a place 
in which to hold religious services, isin every case a guar- 


antee of the permanency of a church organization. 


Churches have been established in localities where, from 
the nature of things, growth was impossible. Houses of 
worship hive frequently been unwisely located. through 
the mistaken belicf that it was cheaper to accept from a 
town site comp ny the gift of a lot in the suburbs, than to 
buy a corner lot in the center of the village or city. It has 
happened several times in the early development of a state, 
that villages were side-tracked by the construction of 
railroad lines that built up rival villages a few miles away. 
The death of some churches is inevitable, and, for their 
death, conditions and not individuals are responsible. 

The following table has been compiled for the purpose 
of showing the location of churches by counties, giving 
also the number of members in each church, and the name 
of the Association to which it belongs. The names of 
churches located at county seats are printed in small 
capitals: 


Baptist History of North Dakota 


27 


LOCATION OF CHURCHES 


BY COUNTIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. 


COUNTIES. 


eT OGene Myer clea are « 


Benson........ 


PSM eis cies <a case seein cleve's 


Bottineau..... 


Bunlowh.... ok. oocse see ee 


Gayalierie ater so lan citeniene 


Emmons... .- 
ASAT MMIC area teal cele law he enelinas eines 


Grand Forks.......... 


(CURE GE sk doen aga cenep eee 


TAGE techie pee one Aer eiaeea nena bac 
LaMoure...... 


CHURCHES. MEMBERS. ASSOCIATIONS. 
; East LaMoure........ 9 is 4 divi tn te gs NOLWORTAN. 
Walley @ityseoe sane AQ) or ahs Sas pe Ne ane Norwegian 
Bottineau.. Aone ‘96 -7. Red River Valley 
ee Boeceee Guristas boils Gin 11 ..... Red River Valley 
West Hope............ 14 .Red River Valley 
; ISTISMAMR Oat canta) tte isiel< By? OF ick peas ae Ne Dakota 
Bismarck (Sw).......-. 10 We alee swedish! 
MARGONISEs. <nierentcteiels 218 ete eee North Dakota 
Fargo (Nor.).......... 78 eee . .Norwegian 
Reta aan ors arco: (Sw). .5.04-: 64 ae, Swedish 
Barer sc cena anes SOF te eee ‘North Dakota 
MowenlCity so. so eee TE haa eee ete North Dakota 
(SliBeauliemiee ene secsesee 1S rit aN eae Red River Valley 
WiGE bab Wianervos peSatae Bayes 2S Suma Weve ie Ec e aie 
PANGDON Av. c bees 63 Red River Valley 
4 |Moscow.. 16 ..... Norwegian 
Poplar Grove. 43 ed River Valley 
Stilwell... 18 .Red River Valley 
(Wiig aS on eS BY eel ieee eerie Norwegian 
ELLENDALE 85 North Dakota 
eR ene Ludden 16 North Dakota 
Oakes..... 5 North Dakota 
; New ROcKFORD.....-. 8 -North Dakota 
a ae te: Sheyenne.. 3 8 North Dakota 
SS eEEEES poeEee Freudenthal 52 lene toy - .German 
{ Granp Forks ist....| 319 |... Red River Valley 
x Grand Forks (Nor). 26 af .. Norwegian 
COOPERSTOWN Ist... 46 -North Dakota 
Cooperstown (Nor.) 33 Norwegian 
Ballgenl ye eee 16 North Dakota 
ee Kalin: ces eel hl aa Bees .- Swedish 
Balfour.. ko Mats| Kes ae Red River Valley 

HONE Liberty... es ind 136 eats 

ine IO TE ER Beslan arora A Shap a liga a Red River Valley 
Saline Gar 14 .....Red River Valley 
Ber linty ye wecisnrs wee c 144 .. German 
RG bites tee Danzig ne wa.con sh. 142 yoboeh.2 a) German 
Owelliotenyteas see 169 . German 
(i@asselmanrens-eee ee oe 151 ... .German 
| Coal Harbor......... 20 _. Swedish 
(Menhoth scat) sane ah os 26 . .German 
Behe se helices? 4) i|Goodrichs.-e- ..- 1... 125 Bil ea eee aR German 
| Rosenteldiects. sos: TOG ee hy Sec aes German 
WASHBURN..........-- 43 German 
WH Witlktionts siemeeeenceres 200 6 ee Re RE Swedish 
EP ee de mace Meapoliss..) sseeeck: 16 2 SLSR ee ce EO RECLISEL 


28 Baptist History of North Dakota 
LOCATION OF CHURCHES 
BY COUNTIES AND ASSOCIATIONS —Continued. 
COUNTIES. CHURCHES. MEMBERS. ASSOC.ATIONS. 
Mortons 6 eee J MANDAN: oc. «cise eh sees 20 .. Swedish 
(lNew Salem... ........ 12 -) ce eae eee 
x { |Aneta.. 21 pas Dakota 
Nelson...... ..-- .:.-5. +24 Ruby. ...Norwegian 
Oliver! scutes Ca Tae st a 
{ |Bathgate.. 26 .... Red River’ Valley 
| Cavalieri.) see. smyeen 62 -.Red River Valley 
Crystal 86. | Vie Rea River Valley 
Pembinaeciee.sth oe eee nce} Ea bon) eee eee 35 ....Red River Valley 
| Prathfordssqsss4 sess 13 ...Red River Valley 
SEEhomas-te anes 23 .Red River Valley 
|Tongue River.. SY 13 Sp es River Valley 
Pierce <3 Ay. sence aeeeela cen PALbOM es aloe ae ares 27 .. Norwegian 
Ramsay Poe ce ence bee ceva e eecse mie cin] eevee! cle lees ofeset nena tele err 
AMSOM ese gene ose eet LUTSBON eso eromenun ees 82: ~ Ncaheebee North Dakota 
Richland. Fairmount............ bY Ma cs anc North Dakota 
Rolette.... Joie eee ahs RO DTNA RS Sa Peis eee 56 Red River Valley 
SED) Ha B Eso ne einoconen aa ween laid eget! Oe iY ene aah eaae cot Swedish 
Shik { |Antelope....... 49 |. ee German 
FAN wats ato mA ke ? |DICKINSON...... ....-. 10 oe eae Dakota 
Dhesle acs ~cdneere acne Paterno bes 
x umenfeld ........... 3erman 
BT EUS) ARLE hk a ola S28 oe (|JAMESTOWN.......... 74 --North Dakota 
DOWNED oo pe Feces = he ie oat Soo alae Eafe tota ayn eee Be aoe 3 
Triatll Otsu neta sos sea o laa ELE DS BORO eer seas 31 ae . Norwegian 
(|Acton.... Sea nae 10). eee Red River Valley 
Edinburg ees.os he eee 42 Base Norwegian 
Walsh y) \Grattons ene. == 57 ‘Red River Valley 
Whee ea, Park Rivarsscssestanee 16 Red River Valley 
1 Mat Come tccctuttern ethe eee 25)... Si See Red River Valley 
lel Silvestay jeacent ceases 9 =| s seats bee eal enero eee 
Desilacstemcckce ae 12 ..Red River Valley 
Donnybrook.... ...... 18. | eee Norwegian 
Ward cd-s-ctewaste eee Onmanescns ce 68° | cnet Norwegian 
MINOG 3.0 SEM 39) Wess Rev River Valley 
White Barth.......... 59 .. Norwegian 
§|Fessenden...........-. 130.) | eoeeereae yeas German 
Wells. «2 -- 1-284 vere ars (|Germantown. 153 : .-German 
Williams.. naan coins cone ewes ee sons erll cole cele ens) oh 
Standing Rock............ d 
Indian Reservation .. ‘ , ee ee ee ee ee ee ee Gr a rr 
MOtal 7. ch seas etc Pee OG | Cota eae OEE 80 4,145 «0 


The following summary has been compiled from the 
foregoing table, with four additional columns giving the 
number of churches and members of churches in each 
county, the ratio of members to population in each county, 
the number of houses of worship and parsonages in each 
county, and the total reported valuation of church prop- 


erty: 


Baptist History of North Dakota 


29 


MEMBERSHIP AND CHURCH PROPERTY. 


BY COUNTIES. 


Value of Church 
Property 


| 
| 
| 


1,800 


2 AS 

a a 

aoe | es zg 

9! © aS i) 

a s| so a\e 

COUNTIES & | ® 3 to | 

3 O| & O38 rill ag 

3 © | 6 oh 9 | & 

Q - : ¥o ra = 

° ° ° oF Gs} ° 

Au Zila [= oo | 

EVIE Be I TS159) |e | bs) |) Dtei227 1 

WSCMSOMMC Maes wakciGee Sisal te ne waie OBZ OL He teres Crevetael af tor seeeten cesta hetero) cate lisees ae enc verd 
Billings. ap Sine OB nace een ES noel ogee Beat aepeed lensed atoll ac atcee aps 

Bonuimeauere et. sete de octagon ccss 7,be2 | 3 | 121 1lto 62 2 
i (HOLY PAN |) aicey CON he cotton 5 
28,625) 5 | 459 1lto 62 4 5 

12,580] 7 | 205 1to 61 2 5 

6,061} 3 | 106 1to 57 1 1 

3,330 | 2 16 1 to 208 2 

4,349 | 1 52 1to 63 Bae 

SETTO! | iaee ciate. all R stations es at 

24,459| 2] 345 1to 70 1 2 

4,744] 3 95 1to 50 1 1 

PTS a wastes feoeeedect ls aathas eeges ae 

6,048 | 1 52 1to 116 1 

Ni G20 Heats woes ai careciaeets Red 

5,253} 4 | 174 1to 30 2 

4,818} 3 | 455 1to 10 1 Y} 

4,791 | 7} 396 1to 12 1 5 
Aton a 15 1 to 118 Bile 

8,069 | 2 32 1 to 250 at 

7,016} 2 28 1 to 261 1 1 

990) | se eega ee lacts ane were eel lene 

17,869 | 7 | 250 1to 79 1 tf 

ASOD tle Ate Loto Lim enna 
1a, ee ee eee eID Sur aeciinievahts oil chia Widnes Zale 
RUHNU RR cta as eos fe cis iwiaisl sinjets aie ncisane.s 6,919} 1] 82 | 1to 84 iy) 
LSI@ evel” < See Oe aan Mere eee ae ee 17,387} 1} 57 | 1to0 305 1 eles 
TSOVENR EG) 30 Aa ESE IS Ce ane eee 7,995] 1] 56 | 1to 143 iy) 3 
IEUNOMNeetie f csiis hits Gah adee wa ctereued 6039] 1 17 1 to 355 1 
SHH Ee. <8 or" iy gona eng Re aia 7.621 | 2 59 1 to 129 uf 2 
MS LELOM PPCM: crete, we Siok Gals sie hate LRerote emanate eae oy cE oe aaron | es | eta 
MEA SERVER TIM reac sists hoe ee ha asyodes viata s 91143.) 2. || 145 | 1 to~ 63 2 
MRanumGrepree sek ccs Jann csb econ eo cects (slo) UA eres (EGO ee toe er erel etal [toes 
IPTEDTID arches ait See ere ete eas 13.107} 1 31 Lto422))\.2 sah a 
VV IS he OS Seo eee nee ean wae 20,288 | 6 | 190 1to 106 |....| 4 
Ward... 5 ek: Roe Oy te. 3 Ie R962) by 96 Lito: 400 (22 3 
Wells! 2... .5.. 8,310 | 2 | 283 1lto 29 2 3 

AWatlaim Se eee |. TRHBON oa heraeet: : se 
Standing Rock Indian Reservation.. ZeOA si] sree < [Poe tate eee coed Reet aie 

Total No. Counties. ...........-..89 | 319,146 | 80 |4145 |1 to 76% 


$159,744 


(> Population in 1860, 4,837; 1870, 14,181; 1880, 135.077 ; 1890, 182,719; 1900, 319,146. 
Ratio of whole number of Baptists to population in North Dakota, one to seventy- 


six and one-half. 


From the foregoing tables it is ascertained that there are 
in North Dakota eighty Baptist churches, having four 
thousand one hundred and forty-five members. 


These 


30 Baptist History of North Dakota 


churches have sixty-six houses of worship and eighteen 
parsonages. The total reported valuation of church prop- 
erty is $159,744.00. The population of the state according 
to the last census is 319,146. The ratio of Baptists to the 
population is one to seventy-six and one-half. 


There are thirty-nine organized counties in North Da- 
kota. There are now Baptist churches in all of these 
counties except the following: Benson, Billings, Foster, 
Kidder, Logan, Oliver, Ramsay, Steele, Towner and Wil- 
liams—10. Three of these counties, Billings, Oliver and 
Williams, are west of the Missouri river, in the grazing 
country, and are very sparsely settled. The population of 
the ten counties first named is 37,143, about one-ninth of 
the total population of the state. In six of these counties 
were formerly located some of the churches that became 
extinct. _ Baptist churches are now located in twenty-nine 
of the thirty counties. There is a Baptist church at the 
county seat of eighteeu counties, namely: Bottineau, Bur- 
leigh, Cass, Cavalier, Dickey, Eddy, Grand Forks, Griggs, 
McLean, Morton, Ransom, Rolette, Stark, Stutsman, 
» Trall, Walsh, Ward and Wells. 

The first Baptist Sunday school was organized at Fargo, 
May 1, 1879. Beginning with the rapid organization of 
churches in 1881, Sunday schools followed, wherever 
practicable, with almost equal rapidity. Six or more col- 
porter missionaries have labored efficiently in this depart- 
ment. The first was Rev. F. E. Bostwick in 1882-3. Rey. 
J. McFarland was appointed in 1885, and served seven or 
eight years. Rev. J. P. F. Groth labored mainly among 
the Germans. The others have been Norwegians, Revs. 
J. O. Modahl, C. J. Hill, and E. P. Johnson, and all have 
been efficient workers. The devoted labors of Rey. J. O. 
Modahl during several years of service were fruitful, and 
his memory is gratefully cherished. After his death his 
widow left a bequest to the American Baptist Publication 


Baptist History of North Dakota 31 


Society which was applied on the purchase of a colportage 
wagon for North Dakota. This wagon has been properly 
designated as the ‘‘Modahl Memorial.” It was ready for 
use in August, 1901, and it has ever since been doing ex- 
cellent service under the care of Rey. E. P. Johnson, col- 
porter missionary. 

The faithful services of Frank D. Hall, who was for 
nearly ten years State Sunday School Missionary, cannot 
be too highly appreciated. He served from April 1, 1893, 
to July 1, 1902, when he resigned to became superintendent 
of the North Dakota Children’s Home. For over seven 
years preceding July 1, 1902, he was also State Sunday 
School Missionary for South Dakota. His successor is 
Thomas H. Hagen, whose appointment dates from Septem- 
ber 1, 1902. 

The greatest difficulty in preparing this historical re- 
view has been in trying to secure full and accurate statis- 
tical information. Many pastors and clerks of churches 
and superintendents of Sunday schools have failed to fur- 
nish needed information. The statistical tables in associa- 
tional minutes, for a number of years, were not carefully 
compiled, and some of them are neither full nor accurate. 
Sunday school statistics are too frequently carelessly re- 
ported. The following statistical table has been compiled 
as accurately as possible from all available and reliable 
sources. The starting point is 1879, when the first Sunday 
school was organized at Fargo. 


32 Baptist History of North Dakota 


SUNDAY SCHOOL STATISTICS 1879-1904. 


x 
Bi 28 
us) . so bU 
aa | Be 2 a0 pee 
; a 2 = i 
YEAR. we aig a 3 a 3 Sad 
eS) 20 < = S ag ra So 
Sn se a 6 S 8 R Sasa 
ZA fo) is) a isa) (ee) [cot a 
iT aotaet tarts | loro oe 7: 
mt i lilcne eee 
Sl ee Se. onto (Gea eos 
19 19 171 
15 50 366 
24 100 1,007 
19 151 1,030 


71 409 2,814 3,223 

65 489 3,532 4,021 

71 389 3,340 | 3,729 

69 433 3,728 | 4,161 ; 3. 6: ' 005. 
91 488 4,085 4,573 52 230.69 1,312.78 1,543.47 
83 457 3,790 4,147 58 178.54 1,681.92 1,860.46 


5) ateace t vee aae 743 | $4,825.09 | $16,729.35 | $21,554.44 


In compiling the following summary of contributions 
for benevolence and expenses, since the beginning of our 
history in North Dakota, numerous omissions and defects 
were found in the early records. During the first decade, 
and longer, sufficient care was not taken to collect and 
publish either the membership or financial statisties of the 
chuches. Diligent and presistent efforts have been made 
to obtain needed information from every possible source. 
The total amount reported as raised by the churches for 
benevolence is $58,597.71; and for local improvement and 
current expenses, $411,218.71. Total, $464,812.42. 


. 


REV. W. L. VAN HORN 
General Misionary and Corresponding Secretary 
October 1, 1894, to April 1, 1898 


33 


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SUOISSIP. | SUOTSST Py SUOTSSIPY |SAOQuIO;y|soqorny~y) ave} 
UdTOIO OWlo eT 94849 JO ‘ON JO ON 


34 Baptist History of North Dakota 


Adding the total amount contributed for benevolence 
and expenses by the Sunday schools to the total contribu- 
tions from the churches we have the following result: 
For benevolence from churches, $53,597.71; from Sunday 
schools, $4,825.09. Total benevolence, $58,422.49. For 
expenses, from churches, $411,218.71; from Sunday 
schools, $16,729 35. Total for expenses, $427,948.06. 
Grand total for benevolence and expenses, $486,366.86. 
This is a large amount, but there is no doubt that if correct 
and full reports had been annually made from the beginning, 
the total amount of money contributed by the churches 
and Sunday schools would be considerably in excess of 
$500,000.00. 

The foregoing table showing the annual reported con- 
tributions for benevolence and expenses is supplemented 
by a brief table showing the results by decades, since the 
first church was organized in 1879. It will be convenient 
in making comparisons as to the rate of progress in differ- 
ent periods: 


Baptist History of North Dakota 


ESCO BORNE | OI SFOrLORD [OR COT. SGer ign 22 geo et re [ian ee pe ae ee MNO Fy] DOUEE TS) 

OP PSC TAS RE GZL'OTS 60° Gas'ts | ieee pass sjooyos Avpung word [2307 
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“STOOHDS AVGNNS ‘II 
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“SHHDUNHD *1 


‘SdadVOUd AG SHSNHdXH GNV HONHIOAGNGE AO AUVWWOAS 


36 Baptist History of North Dakota 


As an item of encouragement concerning the period 
nearest to us, the following summary is given for the last 
ten years. During this decade the number of baptisms 
reported by the churches was 2,102. The gain in mem- 
bership was 2,136. Thirty-seven new churches were or- 
ganized and thirty-four houses of worship were built. With 
one or two exceptions allof the eighteen parsonages in the 
state were built or purchased. The increase in the val- 
uation of church property was $148,375.00., During these 
ten years the contributions for benevolence have been as 
follows: For state missions, $10,322.73; for home mis- 
sions, $6,773.34; for foreign missions, $5,960 74; for the 
Publication Society, $1,586.11; for christian education, 
$1,085.28; for other benevolent objects, $11.373.22. Sun- 
day school benevolence, $1,935,78. Total from churches 
and Sunday schools for benevolence, $39,017.20. For 
current expenses. $168,506.81; for local improvement, 
$62,289.94; for Sunday school expenses, $10.892.90. Total 
for expenses, $241,759.74. Total for benevolence and ex- 
penses, $280,776.94. This is a gain over the previous six- 
teen years of nearly three times as much for benevolence, 
and considerably more than twice as much for expenses. 
If any are inclined to take a pessimistic view of things, 
and look for signs of a retrograde movement in the last 
decade, it will be necessary to look elsewhere for data 
from which to reach discouraging conclusions. 

The last five years cover the period of the author’s 
official relation to the State Convention and missionary 
work in North Dakota. During this period the nuiuber of 
persons baptized was 1,273. The net gain in membership 
in the churches was 1,658. Nineteen churches were or- 
ganized, and twenty-one houses of worship were built. 
The increase in the valuation of church property was 
$74,174.00. Forty-six ministers have come into the state 
to engage in missionary work, and five others who were 
residents of the state became pastors. In the last five 
years the contributions for benevolence have been as fol- 
lows: For state missions. 46,364.51; for home missions, 
$3,961.85; for foreign missions, $3,817.53; for the Publi- 
cation Society. $1,065.83; for christian education, $990.73; 


REV. T. M. SHANAFELT, D.D. 
General Missionary and Corresponding Secretary 
July 1, 1899, to October 1, 1904 


Baptist History of North Dakota 37 


for other benevolent objects, $9,019.94. Total for benevo- 
lence, ‘$25,310.39. For current expenses, $112,940.99; for 
local improvements, $48,201.81. Total for expenses, 
$161,124.96. Total for benevolence and expenses from the 
churches, $186,453.19. Adding to these totals the amounts 
contributed by the Sunday schools, and the grand total 
for all objects since July 1, 1899, is $194,596.35. This is 
over $4.000 more for benevolence and nearly $13,000 more 
for expenses than was contributed in the preceding ten 
years. During the last five years there was contributed 
for both benevolence and expenses only a little less than 
one half as much as in the preceding twenty-one years. 
These statistics seem to furnish gratifying evidence of 
progress and growth. 

The North Dakota Baptist Convention was organized in 
1884. A preliminary meeting was held at Tower City in 
June, and the organization was perfected on the first Wed- 
nesday of the following November, at Fargo. For some 
years its efficiency aS a missionary organization was not 
sufficiently realized or tested. Greater interest appears to 
have been taken in the Associations. The larger organi- 
zation seemed at first to be valued less than the minor and 
local organizations. At three or four annual meetings it 
was voted to authorize or instruct the secretary to print 
the minutes of the Convention with those of the Associa- 
eiation. As the churches grew in strength, and a few of 
them becaue self-supporting, the need and value of the 
Couvention were more fully appreciated. The plan of co- 
operation between the American Baptist Home Mission 
Society and the State Convention was adopted in 1892. It 
became practically effective in 1894. 

The table of anniversaries of the State Convention since 
its organization records the place of each annual meeting, 
and the names of all who have served as president, vice- 
president, recording secretary, corresponding secretary, 
treasurer, and the preacher of each annual sermon. It 
also gives for each year the number of Associations, 
churches, ordained ministers, persons baptized, and the 
total reported number of members in the churches. 


Baptist History of North Dakota 


35 


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Teele 


‘NOILNGANOD GHL 4O SHIYVSUHAINNV 


Baptist History of North Dakota 39 


To the foster mother of nearly all of the churches in the 
state a lasting debt of gratitude is due for the assistance 
rendered from the beginning, and continued with a liberal 
hand. To the fullest extent of her ability the American 
Baptist Home Mission Society furnished aid to struggling 
churches, and made it possible to organize new ones, with 
a superintending missionary to care for their interests. 
The total amount appropriated by the Society for mission- 
ary labor in North Dakota, to July 1, 1904, is $209,497.36. 
From the church edifice fund the churches have secured 
generous assistance: in gifts, $14,501.00; in loans, $9,350.00. 
Total, $23,857.00. The total amount of aid received for 
missionary support and in building homes for the churches 
is $233,348.36. 


There have been four general missionaries under ap- 
pointrent by the Home Mission Society. Rev. G. W. 
Huntley, under whose supervision the work was practical- 
ly begun, served eleven years, from July 1, 1881, to July 
1, 1892. His successor was Rev. C. H. Holden. His 
first appointment was that of district missionary. March 
17, 1892. He became general missionary July 1, 1892, and 
served two years, closing July 1, 1894. Rev. W. L. Van 
Horn became general missionary October 1, 1893, and 
served until April 1, 1898, a period of three years and six 
months. After an interval of a year and three months, 
during which there was no superintending missionary, 
Rev. T. M. Shanafelt, D. D., was appointed, July 1, 1899. 
At the expiration of his present appointment, October 1, 
1904, he will have served five years and three months. 

The duties of a general missionary must necessarily be 
mainly administrative and supervisory. Assistants are 
needed in the working out of details on local fields. With 
the exception of the short period of service rendered as 
district missionary by Rev. C. H. Holden, there had been 
only one of these officers for detail work among the Eng- 


. 


40) Baptist History of North Dakota 


lish speaking churches, until Rev. Frank Sprague became 
district missionary and evangelist February 1, 1903. | 
There have been two Norwegian district missionaries, 
Revs. T. G. Wold and J. B. Sundt. In recognition of the 
needs of the Swedes as well as the Norwegians, Rev. Ole 
Larson was appointed Scandinavian district missionary 
January 1, 1900. Among the Germans there have been, 
at intervals, two or three who have rendered double ser- 
vice as district missionary and evangelist. 


North Dakota is one of the states comprising the Upper 
Mississippi District. Rev. O. A. Williams, D. D., became 
district secretary and superintendent of missions for this 
district September 1, 1894. He has rendered nearly ten 
years of very successful and helpful service. He is held 
in the highest esteem by the churches in the four states 
comprising his district. 

In the state organization of the Baptist Young Peoples’ 
Union, October 5, 1891, a new element of strength and 
helpfulness came into auxiliary relationship with the State 
Convention. Women’s missionary circles have been or- 
ganized in many of the churches. The study of missionary 
literature and plans of work has increased the efficiency 
of the christian women of the churches, and many of them 
are faithful helpers in promoting the primary: and funda- 
mental object of a State Convention, the vigorous prosecu- 
tion of missionary work within the state. 

Soon after the organization of the first Baptist church at 
Fargo in 1879, came the first Baptist pastor, Rev. E. B. 
Haskell. He was preceded, for a short time, by Rev. G. 
B.Vosberg, as supply, It is probable that converts were 
baptized at Fargo before the organization of other church- | 
es in 1881, but the first record of a scriptural baptism in 
North Dakota, is that of Edward Sloan and his wife, by 
Rev. J. R. Deckard, at Bismarck, on Christmas day, De- 
cember 25, 1881. The next known case is that of Mrs. J. 


e 


Baptist History of North Dakota Al 


F. Burgar, who was baptized by Rev G. W. Huntley, in 
Park River, at Grafton, Jun 24, 1882. Mr. R. B. Griffith 
has the longest record of nearly continuous service as 
superintendent of a Sunday school, having served, with 
the exception of one year, since the organization of the 
first Sunday school in Grand Forks, May 7, 1882. He 
has been clerk of the church since its organization in 
October, 1881. The churches of largest membership and 
influence in the state are the American churches in Grand 
Forks and Fargo. The former has probably the finest ar- 
ranged and best equipped house of worship, especially for 
Sunday school work, in the northwest. The church at 
Fargo is about io build a new house of worship, that will 
be fully adequate to the needs of that large and rapidly 
growing city. 

If the surviving pioneer pastors and workers had re- 
sponded to requests for reminiscences of the early days, a 
larger number of interesting incidents would have been 
placed on record in this historical sketch. There are ex- 
periences incident to the beginning of historical epochs 
that are seldom duplicated in later years. It would be in- 
teresting to have these foundation builders tell to this, and 
the generations following, the story of hardships endured, 
and sacrifices made, and results accomplished, as they 
themselves saw them and shared in them. They were 
laying the foundations of anew state, and helping to shape 
its character and destiny. 


All honor to those who wrought in those formative 
years, an! to the busy toilers who followed them. Many 
have borne a part in constructing the frame work and 
perfecting the development of a state worthy of a high 
rank in the federation of states. The leaders in these 
movements showed marked fidelity and zeal, but they had 
faithful co-workers in the churches. Much of the success 
achieved was due to the earnest devotion and self-sacritice 


that they rendered, though less conspicno ous, 
less worthy of commendation. 
All of these are entitled & an honored 


his faithful ally in the home, and the = el 


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